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Nice video!
Our troop has a bunch of old tarps. Think they might make suitable hammocks?
I think I can cut them in half, and get two out each of them.
Is the structural ridgeline needed? Or can I just use the gathered ends, like my ENO Doublenest?
Thanks!

Tarps are waterproof and the conventional wisdom is not to use fabrics that don't breath for a hammock. However, JustJeff is currently challenging that idea. Personally I'd recommend finding some cheap ripstop and using that.

The structural ridgeline is not needed. It just makes it a lot easier to create a consistent hang.

Bugnet for the gathered end hammock

Knotty,
I duplicated your gathered end hammock last night, and was all set to put a bugnet onto it, when my carefully thought out plans went to mush. I must have been flawed in my picture of the bugnet shape to get the result I was looking for (a Clark style bugnet that has a zipper in a U shape).
What type of bugnet did you use for this type of hammock?
And is there so much slack in the hammock sides, that a bugnet attached to the side seems would be always loose?

I'm half way into it, but I think tonight I have to rip it all apart and rethink this bugnet plan.

Wish I could help you there friend but I haven't added a bug net to this hammock. Like you, I just can't decide what approach to take. I'm leaning towards a detached net with an elasticized bottom opening.

I've been using the "Curtain method" since I got away from the claustrophobic enclosure deal. For short hikes - a 10x12 'curtain' over the ridgeline with 2 grip-clips on each end. For longer hikes a 5x12 'curtain' hung over structural RL. I don't worry about closing off the bottom. Fortunately bugs are heat seekers and are not smart enough to go down, under, up and over, to get to people.

The beauty - just slide the 'curtain' away when not needed.
The downside - 2 to 3 oz weight penalty for 10x12

modified gathered end

Knotty,
After my bugnet setback, I started to rethink the base hammock all together.
11'6" is a bit big for a single hammock (think I'll be in the 9'-9'6" range), not to mention the bugnet and tarp that I will need for it. So that got me thinking about the gathered end as well. I played around with gathering the end in different styles, and found that I while I pulled the ends a little to take up the slack on the sides, I could pull up the middle to give me a little shorter centerline. This has the effect of creating side pockets like the "W" fold and whip. I took that idea and modified the gathered end channel to match my new shape. Even though I am test bedding on an 8' hammock, it was flat and comfortable and better than the other styles I have tried so far.
I am going to tweak the dimensions a little and then apply this new end to the hammock I was in the middle of when this all started.
Ever used this technique for the channel style ends?

Knotty,
After my bugnet setback, I started to rethink the base hammock all together.
11'6" is a bit big for a single hammock (think I'll be in the 9'-9'6" range), not to mention the bugnet and tarp that I will need for it. So that got me thinking about the gathered end as well. I played around with gathering the end in different styles, and found that I while I pulled the ends a little to take up the slack on the sides, I could pull up the middle to give me a little shorter centerline. This has the effect of creating side pockets like the "W" fold and whip. I took that idea and modified the gathered end channel to match my new shape. Even though I am test bedding on an 8' hammock, it was flat and comfortable and better than the other styles I have tried so far.
I am going to tweak the dimensions a little and then apply this new end to the hammock I was in the middle of when this all started.
Ever used this technique for the channel style ends?

I'm a tall guys, so I like long hammocks but not everyone needs them.

Never tried the whipping your suggesting. Maybe you could post some pics or a sketch/diagram?

Results from new gather

I'll post pics soon. Just tested a few lengths last night. I can snap a few pics when I put it together for real.

I am not that tall (5'7"). So I can save some material weight and bulk. But I'm wondering if the additional space isn't a good place to put gear. Does anyone skip the gear hammock and just pull the pack into the hammock? Maybe hang it off a loop near the end like the ridgeline attachment.